How do?
So here's my second attempt at such a thread. Hopefully you're all aware of the aim.
What follows isn't a 'smartest guy in the room' type smugfest. Just my take on the enjoyable side of a film mostly derided. And of course, it's all simply my opinion, rather than statements of fact.
Right, off we go.
1. It updates the basic premise for the Internet Age.
I really cannot praise this bit enough. See, when Skynet first fell, the Internet wasn't really a thing - and wasn't really that big a thing when Terminator 2 rolled around. The concept John pitches, that thanks to that Skynet could never be properly defeated was a good touch.
2. John Connor portrayed as sensible.
Another thing I can only praise. His decision to live off grid complete, just in case does make sense. As far as they know Skynet has been put to bed - but why take the risk? However, overall execution is a bit lacking.
3. The 'comedy' scene.
OK. So you know above I said the execution is a bit lacking? Common thing in this movie. So the bit where the T800 goes into the bar is cringey. Like, seriously cringey. But thinking about it, the poe-faced Arnie not getting 'talk to the hand' does help point out this is a different model to the more humanised one we saw in Terminator 2. They look identical, but are two separate entities. Handled with a bit less...well, less, the scene could've worked quite nicely.
4. The plot itself is pretty solid, and does add to the mythos.
Once again, the execution is lacking - not the concept. The realisation that had T2 not happened, John and Catherine would've got it together works. And I like how it throws Sarah's 'No Fate But What We Make For Ourselves' thing into doubt, instead suggesting Time Will Have Its Way. And that this time, it's just about John surviving is such a nice touch. It takes what's largely a retread chase movie, and just pops up into the realms of a story worth telling.
5. Seeing Skynet's early days attacks.
Just wonderful stuff. Seriously, seriously wonderful. T1, early Hunter Killers. The nukes. It's a pay off that makes the wonky parts of the movie (and there are plenty of those) worth sitting through. Whilst the other action scenes are inferior to their predecessors, this bit is fantastic.
6. The T-X's mission
This probably should've been added earlier, but hey ho. With JC having gone dark, and unfindable, Skynet instead seeking to take out his generals and lieutenants and that is pretty cool, and is good logic. And it's nice to see a Terminator Getting The Job Done - even bumping off mere kids. Had the overall tone cleaved closer to the original, I think the scene would've been truly memorable, as it just goes around the city, taking out innocents.
So, in general. Whilst clearly a flawed movie, there is quite a bit to enjoy here. And to a degree, I'm glad they didn't try to 'one up' everything in T2. After all, the visceral thrill of two Terminators knocking seven bells out of each other is done. And whilst always enjoyable to see, I did like that they kept it 'by the numbers', with the main event being Skynet Doing What It Does.
Turning some tropes on their head, without doing for 'shock and awe' worked nicely for me. And I feel it does stand up as a third entry and continuation of what came before, it's main crime not being as good as the other two. Crucially for me, it tied off the main story. Reese succeeds, Sarah ultimately fails (but wasn't to know she was doomed to), yet come Judgement Day, John Connor isn't just alive - but in pretty much exactly the right place, able to communicate with the remaining military of the outside world, and tell them what he knows.
If it'd just dropped some of the 'comedy' bits, and the 'inflation' bit (I like the concept, but once more, execution!), I think it'd be held in higher regard.
That's my take, feel free to comment and chip in
BONUS SUB THREAD, you lucky people!
Mad Doc Defends - Terminator 4
1. It's got Michael Ironside in it.
And /done.
